As we enter National Walking Month (1st-31st May), the island of Ireland has an itinerary for all levels.
Ireland’s diverse landscape was made to be explored on foot; from greenways to boglands, coastal paths to deep forests, there are so many terrains to discover, and this Walking Month might just be the best time to do it.
With temperatures expected to average out at a comfortable 15°C in May 2025, and Ireland a mere hour’s flight from Britain with many regional flight routes available, a walking holiday is the perfect way to spend a short break on the emerald isle, this spring.
See our pick of the best routes, depending on level of ease, below:
Easy:
Meander through the heart of Ireland in the Slieve Bloom Mountains
Easily accessible from all corners of Ireland, the Slieve Bloom Mountains are one of the oldest ranges in Europe and offer a majestic view of Irish heartlands. With many ways to traverse the mountain, by bike, on horseback or foot, visitors can enjoy a leisurely meander through quaint villages, geology-focused trails and heritage attractions. This weekend (3rd and 4th May), Slieve Bloom will also be celebrating National Walking Month with a series of walks as part of its ‘Walking Festival’.
More information about Slieve Bloom and its festival can be found, here: https://slievebloom.ie/
Medium:
Cliff-edge drama on the Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland
A remarkable, other-worldly experience, The Gobbins Cliff Path on Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route is a stunning way to marvel at the natural world, spot Ireland’s only puffin colony, learn about basalt rocks, and admire the diverse flora and fauna. Reopened to visitors in 2015 after extensive renovations, The Gobbins celebrates its 10th reopening anniversary in 2025, after originally being built by railway engineer Berkeley Deane Wise in 1902. It now features a series of must-see moments along the coastal route: The Aquarium, The Tubular Bridge and Wise’s Eye.
Read more about the walk or book tickets, please visit : https://www.thegobbinscliffpath.com/
Hard:
Breathtaking views and treacherous terrain in the Comeragh Mountains, Waterford
Short, but mighty, the Coumshingaun Lake walk is a tough 6.13km trail that loops around the namesake lake. Taking three to four hours, with steep inclines and some treacherous terrain, this walk is one for experienced walkers but affords spectacular views across the Waterford countryside and the opportunity to dip into the lake’s clear water at the end of the journey.
Find out more here: https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/coumshingaun-lough-loop-walk/
Special mention – Pilgrim walks:
St Patrick’s Way pilgrimage route marks its 10-year anniversary
The 82-mile signed walking trail which encompasses key sites relating to Saint Patrick celebrates its 10th anniversary next year. Starting at the Navan Centre in Armagh, the route takes walkers through some of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular scenic landscapes before ending at Saint Patrick’s final resting place, in the grounds of Down Cathedral in Downpatrick.
The trail was launched in March 2015, supported by Tourism Northern Ireland in conjunction with Armagh, Down, Banbridge and Newry and Mourne District councils, and seasoned Camino walker Alan Graham, to highlight the life, landscape and legacy of St Patrick. Walkers can collect stamps in a special Pilgrim’s Passport which includes a map of the trail. discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/saint-patricks-way-the-pilgrims-walk-p710871
“Ireland’s Camino” to be put in the spotlight
St Declan’s Way Pilgrim Trail is a 1500-year-old pilgrim route running 115km from St Declan’s ancient home in Ardmore, Waterford, to The Rock of Cashel, where he was said to have paid homage to St Patrick, Ireland’s most famous saint. A new plan has been launched to develop the ancient pilgrim path and elevate it to new heights of international significance, alongside the Camino de Santiago and the Via Francigena.
The trail reopened in 2021 following an extensive redevelopment between 2017-2020 and is now set for a second phase of investment between 2024-2028, with an aim to attract over 20,000 walkers annually by 2029. The route, inspired by St Declan’s journey to meet St Patrick, winds through beautiful landscapes of Ireland’s southeast, including the Knockmealdown Mountains, hills of West Waterford, and seaside town of Ardmore on the south coast. www.stdeclansway.ie
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